Florida Gov. Scott recognizes Immokalee teacher during State of the State address

TALLAHASSEE — Heather Viniar, an Immokalee High School teacher, put out her hand to thank Gov. Rick Scott for inviting her to the Capitol on Tuesday. He didn't take it.

Instead, he gave her a hug.

Viniar, 25, has had a rare view of the governor in the months since he visited Immokalee schools to stand in for teachers there. He taught two of her classes, she had dinner with him at one of his favorite Naples restaurants and Tuesday she was a guest at Scott's second "state of the state" speech.

"Heather Viniar is here with us today in the gallery," Scott said at a midpoint in his address.

She stood, and with her stood hundreds of legislators and others on the floor of the House to applaud her.

"Heather is very committed to her students," he said. "Educators like Heather, (her) students and their dreams are what will drive the future prosperity of our state."

Scott spent all day Nov. 10 teaching classes at Immokalee schools as part of his series of stops working regular jobs. Viniar sat on the sidelines while Scott taught her first two classes: American government and honors American government.